Despite her wealthy upbringing, writer Mia Stanley works for Godey's Lady's Book magazine to the disdain of her family. She is a proper young lady and is held in high regard by her elite society of friends. However, her work begins to take her into the world of the Philadelphia docks to help the downtrodden seamen's wives, and she discovers a diabolical plot that may put her where no proper lady should be. Along with her safety, her heart is in danger of being taken by the one man whose opinions matter to her.

A Lady of High Regard Discussion Questions: by Tracie Peterson

1. What about this story appealed to you most? For example: the romance, the family issues, the social issues, the personal spiritual issues? And why?

2. Mia felt called to do what she could to help others? Do you feel this same calling? In what way and how do you try to fulfill that calling?

3. Mia loved to match make. She felt this was a particular gift she had for putting people together. Do you think that God gives that kind of a gift to particular people? Given various cultures around the world where matchmakers are utilized, what kind of positives or negatives do you think could come of this for the American culture?

4. Often times we overlook the blessing that is right under our nose. In this story Mia overlooks the blessing of Garrett? What are some instances that you’ve overlooked God’s blessings?

5. Mia convinces herself that going against her authority for a good cause was an acceptable thing in God’s eyes. What does the Bible say about this?

6. How can a person attend to their various callings and good causes if their authority figures are set against such matters? This could be the authority of the country, your household, your church, etc.

7. Garrett felt an obligation to care for his father’s family. How does this line up with Scripture? Have you experienced situations where this was a need in your own life?

8. Caring for others always requires sacrifice. How can you sacrifice of your time, self, finances, comfort, etc. to help family, friends, society? Give biblical examples of people who sacrificed on behalf of others.

9. Mia and Garrett share a long time relationship that gives them some very good foundational starts for marriage. What are those things and can they also apply to relationships today?

10. Injustice towards those in poverty has always been with us. Throughout the Bible we see examples of it. Discuss some of those examples and give examples of such things in the world today. What can you do to help overcome injustice in the world?

11. Philadelphia is a town full of history. What, if anything, did you learn about this great city that you didn’t already know?

12. What social issues of the day did you learn about from this story? Did anything surprise you? If so, what?

13. Mia lived in a time and place where a woman working suggested a variety of problems. What were some of those issues and why was her family against her working?

14. When Mia’s authority figures insist she give up her work for Godey’s, she does, but she also continues to work towards her causes. What kind of spiritual, physical and emotional problems does this cause for her?